Child abuse

How long does it take for the memories to go? I really want to forget what happened to me when I was younger but instead I'm thinking about it all the time.

I've only told a few people about what happened and even then I haven't told them everything because I just feel so ashamed of feeling the way I do. I shouldn't have to confide in people like I do I should be stronger and not worry them with what I tell them.

I told my teacher at school and although he was fantastically supportive - he told me I could talk at any time to him and he would listen to me. he told me he worried about me a lot as well which made me feel bad. I hadn't told him a lot of what was really bothering me how would he react then?

My two friends I told bits to were also really supportive but I just feel they have there own problems why should they listen to mine? It's not fair on them! I wan't someone to really understand me when I talk to them someone who could say "Yeah I've been in the same position as you - I understand all the emotions you're feeling" But I don't know anyone who has and my friends don't seem to understand why I act the way I do. They're supportive but again I just feel I'm wasting everybody's time. Please help me.

Memories never really go hun, as crappy as that is. You will always remember that things did occur that hurt you, but there are ways to deal with them so it doesn't hurt as much or over-whelm you.

Have you ever sought out professional help, someone to treat the past abuse issues, that is key is to get the proper treatment and start your recovery process.

i agree.councilling or therapy is great.it helped me to get everything out in the open and just talking to someone..telling them what had happened helped a lot.memories dont go away but they become easier to deal with.its like when someone you love dies...you never forget them but after a while you can think about them without becoming overwhelmed with emotion.its been over 15 years now since my abuse ended...and funny as it sounds ...now when something triggers the memories of that abuse it feels like it happened to someone else and the only emotion i feel is the sadness that this poor girl suffered so much.but maybe thats just my way of dealing with it.

I can relate to you thoughts on wasting others time... Theraphy is a good choice. I went to my doctor, and he referred me onward to a theraphist. From the I was treated for borderline using grouptherapy and body exercises for 4 months, and I am now going to grouptherapy once a week.

...still, none of them know about me being child abused..I orginally seeked helped because of a suicide attempt that scared me..I had thought of it many times..but never had I been so close... and I was depressed without really thinking about any abuse..just feeling alone, empty and unable to relate to others..when I started getting my thoughts back..and the abuse memory came clear again..I have been to ashamed to admit it to anyone..

Dont do the same mistake...your are hurting. Seek help, professional help..and be honest with everything.

Hope you feel better, not because of my post of course..that is not what I mean..I just sincerly feel for you, and hope you are having a "good" day.

Thanks for your replies everyone - I really do appreciate it. Thing is sometimes I feel so lonely thinking about what happened and I know I should talk to a counsellor about it but I want someone to care for me at the same time. Do counsellors really care or are they only doing their job?

amy-anne, most counselors DO care and that's WHY they got into their profession. If you happen to feel that your counselor does not care then you would need to keep shopping for one that DOES. It's your right to feel comfortable with whomever you choose to counsel you. You do need to feel comfortable and cared for when discussing such emotional issues as abuse and shame. I sure hope that you find all that you need to help you heal as much as humanly possible. *warm hugs*

I've had the same psychiatrist for nearly 10 yrs, and she has helped me so much with all my abuse problems, I'm free from all that, and feel like a new person. It is definatly worth it, but you need to feel comfortable with the person that you are talking to though, otherwise you'll never be able to open up.